FAWU Statement on Violence During Blue Ribbon Strike

30 November 2018

A protected strike by 600 employees of Blue Ribbon bakery in Salt River turned violent yesterday when the company`s security guards provoked our members by restricting their movements outside the company`s premises while they were demonstrating - thereby clearly violating picketing rules of the strike.

The battle between workers and police started to intensify ON Thursday, 29 November 2018 during the afternoon when it appeared as if the police members were called in by the company beforehand and appeared to side with the company with which they apparently enjoy an arrangement of purchasing bread at a mere R5.00. FAWU vehemently condemns the behaviour of the authorities and believe the police should be neutral at all times and should not be returning " favours" for the company.

Following a scuffle between the different parties , thirteen of our members were severely injured and were taken to Groote Schuur Hospital for immediate treatment. Ten workers have been discharged while three are still recovering at the facility.

Workers embarked on a protected strike on Wednesday, 28 November 2018 in pursuit of a 10 percent wage increase and FAWU funeral benefit scheme. The company is offering an 8 percent wage increase.

General Secretary of FAWU , Katishi Masemola will be addressing the workers between 13h30 and 14h00 today.